New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-12-09

FATAL BLOW FOR THE RESIDENTS MEsSAGE-
PRoTECTIoNIsTs REJOICING-CoNFIDENCE THAT
Mr.. BLAINE'S TIMELY AND FoRCIBLE WORDS
HAVE PRACTICALLY SETTLED THE CONTEST
BUSINESS MEN, LAWYERS, BANKERS,
AND BROKERS ALL APPROVE his posi-
TION-PRAIsES FROM ALL QUARTERS
FOR HIS sTATEsMANLIKE DOCUMENT
The interview with Mr. Blaine discussing the
Presidents message, which cabled from Paris
and printed in The Tribune yesterday, caused
an immense sensation throughout the city. Re-
pubcans everywhere hailed it with enthusiastic
delight, and the Free Traders seemed to awaken
to a realization of the full size of the job they
had undertaken 1t was felt by Protecionists
to be not only direct and powerful blow, but
one delivered just in the nick of time and by
just the right man.
THE TRIBuvr was warmly praised for its cntcr4
prise in securing the interview while the interest
excited by the PRESIDENTS deliberate avowal Of
free trade principles was still lively The rros-
pcct of a national campaign fought on this square
issue was welcomed everywhere, and the fact
that the challenge elected from the Democratic
leader after SO much taunt and effort had been
expended to draw it forth, had come at last and
had been accepted by Republicans everywhere and
by their Presidential candidate in 1884 in terms
so plain and uncquivoca was received as an
assurance that the commercial interests of tho
country would be rescued from the uncer-
tainty and dread which have long hung over
them.
EVERYWHERE THE ONE TOPIC OF DISCUSSION.
In the hotel corridors, in the ex-
changes, upon tie streets, in places OF
busincss-everywh the topic Of
discussion Mr.. BIaines interview. The evi-
dences public interest in the Message itself werc
inc IL tfatif
theme was free trade compared with the eXcite|
ment aroused by the absent satesmans comments
upon it. All day long at centres of business
activity groups Of brokers' financers and mcr-
chants were gathered in animated discussions.
Copies Of The Tribune were shOwercd around.
Every who lad not yet read the article was
advised to lose time in doing il. THE TRrBUNEs
coumting-room was besieged by persons of all
shades Of opinion and appearance in quest OF
the interview. The supplies OF news dealers were
exhausted before the morning had fairly Sou
under way. All other questions of public inter-
est were forgotten and the crisp, thoughtful,
strong declarations in which Mr.. Blaine asserted
that the war between Protection and Free Trado
was begun in good earnest, studied and
examined as the busy public rarely studies or
examines the views Of public men.
KEEN APPRECIATION on ALL SIDES.
crowds furnished an instructive lesson on tho
arprcciativc nature Of the American mind 1hd
author of the interview himself would probably
he astonisheI at the way it has been received.
! Every variety Of Interpretation was put upon IL
according to the political sentiments OF those who
! talked il over But the mere fact that it was
on every body's tongue all day long showed how
great the significance was which the PUBLIC
attached to its appearance
! The general Republican comment was that 10
was the trumpet sound of a magnificent Republic
can victory in lsss, and many. with suggestive
quiclness, hunted up the familiar Blaine button
and appeared down town wearing il cons icuousiy
in their coats These formed the most amiable
portions Of every crowd. They were willing 10
talk it over either a lecture on political ccono-
my or as letter Of eptancc of tie nomnltiOn in
| 'Ss-it was all one 10 them. The comment that
the interview, besides dealing a brilliant and
effective blow AT the Free Trade doctrine. might
properly he regarded intmation that Mr.
Blaine was willing to run again in a campaign
that turned an actual question of party princi-
PIE, was frequently made 1t was comment
that never failed TO call forth chorus of COM
mcndation and applause.
DEMOCRATS TERRIBLY CAST DOWN.
Ur0n many Democrats. especially among tho
politicians WHO have finger constantly on tho
!
Some said that it would comre Ccvcanl's re-
tircmcnt rs a candidate and the choice of man
who could dodge tie issue. Others, who regarded
his arrangements as too well completed dor
anything to break them now, directed their CONF
mcnt to the doubtful State question and
wondered how such conflict would result in
New York, New-Icrscy, Connecticut and Indiana.
Many said that Cleveland had played directly
into Republican hands and refused to be conf
fortcd Others put their trust in Randall. and
frightened in the hope that he would pull them
through all right. Some declared that Blaine
had doic this to compel the MugwumpS to show
their hands. The occasional MugWump who
could be found scowed in way that seemed TO
lend color to this view. lie looked as if he felt
that his game was exposed Few could be dis
covered with strength enough left even to snarI
"Mu.ligan!"-a sure sign Of Mugwump dccrepi-
tudc Ihe Free Traders pure and simple wera
as n rule serene, for the Free Trader pure and
simple is fatuitous lie rushes in where any othcr
man fears to tread. Now that they have forced
Cleveland to Il declaration they want TO fight Il
out.
As a topic Of discussion the interview was
merely transferred when night came from tho
exchanges and business places to the hotels and
clubs. 1t seemed to have lost none of its fasci-
nation by time Its effect was felt in all dircc-
tions and the final result in all debates:
no matter how much their participants differed
upon the issue, that it must produce
profound IMPRESSION upon the next CAMPAIGN, no
matter TO whom the Domination fell. As the Mes
sacc solidifcd Democratic support for Free Trade,
the interview was felt TO clinch and electrily
Republican opposition.
UNION LEAGUE CLUB MEN SPEAK
10Y THAT THE ISSUE HAS BEEN MADE AND STRONG
APPROVAL OF MIR. BLAINE's WORDS
Although the meeting OF the Union League Club lase
nrht was merely ono for tho election OF a committee
a. fart he aIz o.